Can Formiguera

Can Formiguera is a 17th-century town palace in the old center of Palma de Mallorca, one of the most distinctive noble "casals" of the Monti-Sion quarter.

Where is Can Formiguera located?

The building stands at the corner of Carrer de la Portella and Carrer de Can Formiguera, in the maze of narrow streets that make up Palma's old town, only a short walk from the La Seu cathedral. This part of the city mixes grand stone facades and hidden courtyards of former noble houses with everyday townhouses, and wandering through it is one of the most popular ways to experience historic Palma.

What is the history behind the palace?

The building's origins go back to the 17th century. In 1621 the property was acquired by Pere Ramon de Zaforteza y de Villalonga, first Count of Santa María de Formiguera — the title that gave the whole complex its name. Over the following generations the Zaforteza family kept expanding the palace, eventually joining it with an adjoining plot that had previously belonged to the Berard family.

The house is closely tied to a local legend about "Comte Mal" (the "Bad Count"), a later member of the family remembered as harsh and difficult. According to the story, this count had a tower and bridge built so he could look toward the Convent of Santa Clara, where a woman he loved had taken her vows as a nun. Guides leading tours through Palma's historic courtyards still tell this legend today.

What architectural details stand out?

The complex is made up of two blocks linked by a bridge that spans Carrer de Serra — the bridge forms a wide, rounded arch crossing the street below, traditionally said to have been commissioned by the Bad Count himself.

The older section, facing Carrer de la Portella, has an angular corner facade with a long wooden-railed balcony and the carved coat of arms of the second Count of Formiguera set into the stone. A striking cornice with detailed moldings and reliefs featuring human and animal figures runs along the top. Inside, despite later renovations, parts of the original Gothic structure survive: segmental arches and a central pillar with an octagonal cross-section still support the ceiling.

Is Can Formiguera a protected monument?

Yes. The building is listed as a Historic-Artistic Monument and is protected under Spanish Historical Heritage Law 16/1985. That legal status is part of the reason the facade and the arched bridge over Carrer de Serra have survived largely unchanged since the Zaforteza-era renovations.

Can visitors go inside?

The palace remains privately owned, but it is occasionally included in the "Patios de Palma" circuit — guided routes through the courtyards of the old town's noble houses, organized by the city council and local tour operators. Because access to the interior and courtyard varies from one date to another, it's worth checking the current tour schedule or asking at a Palma tourist information point before planning a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Can Formiguera? It is a 17th-century town palace (casal) in Palma de Mallorca's old town, named after the Counts of Formiguera from the Zaforteza family.

Where exactly is the building? At the junction of Carrer de la Portella and Carrer de Can Formiguera, in the Monti-Sion quarter, close to the La Seu cathedral.

Can I visit the inside of the palace? The building is privately owned; the courtyard and interior are mainly accessible through organized "Patios de Palma" tours, so it's best to check current dates before your trip.

What is the story behind the bridge over Carrer de Serra? It connects the two blocks of the palace and, according to legend, was built on the orders of the "Bad Count" so he could look toward the Convent of Santa Clara.